Top Programs for Master’s in Graphic Design in the UK

Pursuing a Master’s in Graphic Design in the UK means exploring the many facets of design theory. You will expand your understanding of the ways in which art intersects with practicality. Many UK design programs strongly emphasise studio art as well as critical thinking. Students can expect to gain a solid grounding in various design theories and explore the newest, groundbreaking work by leaders in the field.

What Is a Master’s in Graphic Design?

There are several schools in the UK that offer post-graduate degrees in Graphic Design. Typically, such programs balance a rigorous examination of theory with intense studio practice; many programs include an exhibition of student work in a public venue. Along with a comprehensive overview of the various related disciplines, students may choose to focus on one of the following areas:

Typography

Web design

Motion graphics

Multimedia design

Type design

Graphic Design Master’s students at UK schools learn how to integrate several important aspects of design. They will develop an awareness of the ways in which design is influenced by, and also influences the continually evolving media environment, graphic technology, digital design, potential viewers and design history.

A typical Graphic Design program will include seminars, studio projects and research. Many universities bring in visiting designers to mentor students and lead projects. This ensures that students actively engage with a variety of contemporary design perspectives, placed in the context of history and theory. Master’s in Graphic Design courses may also include material from other disciplines, including literature, art, urban planning, architecture, sociology and history.

What Are the Benefits of Getting a Master’s in Graphic Design in the UK?

Both UK residents and international students can gain a lot from enrolling in a Master’s in Graphic Design program in the UK. UK programs encourage students to acquire new skills, experiment, and pursue independent projects. They also provide seminars and workshops. Top designers may be available to mentor students and provide guidance for individual projects.

UK Graphic Design graduate programs are geared at placing design theory, techniques and media within the larger context of contemporary trends and local communities. In many programs, major projects are exhibited in communal centers. At some schools, students also have the opportunity to produce projects for businesses and organisations, providing much-needed real-world experience. Students are also able to work with students and professors from other programs at the same university. This interdisciplinary approach highlights the ways in which graphic design is deeply intertwined with contemporary issues such as social justice, communities, technological advances and space planning.

Students are encouraged to contextualize design projects as a means of communication. To this end, seminars and workshops may emphasize such aspects as voice, style, intended audience, symbolism, visual tropes and cultural memes. Graduates of a UK Master’s in Design Program will find opportunities both to hone technique, and to produce projects that are thought-provoking and impactful.

What Kind of Career Can You Expect With a Master’s in Graphic Design?

The advanced level of education and experience students gain through a Master’s in Graphic Design program empowers them to assume senior and leadership positions in graphic design firms. Degree holders may find it easier to rise to senior designer positions, whether with a graphic design firm or within a corporate department.

Graphic designers with advanced skill sets may be employed in many types of industries. In addition to independent design firms, employers may include:

Publishing houses.

Magazines and newspapers.

Advertising agencies.

Corporate marketing departments.

Government and municipal department.

Healthcare education organisations.

Master’s graduates may also be qualified to teach graphic design at the post-secondary level. Some continue to teach Bachelor’s and Master’s students. If you are interested in this career, please learn about the requirements for post-secondary instruction in your target locale, as these may differ greatly.

A Master’s in Graphic Design can also present a significant advantage for those graduates who wish to establish their own independent graphic design firm. The practical experience and theoretical knowledge gained through the Master’s program will help you formulate your firm’s goals and meet client expectations. The high level of individual tutoring and mentoring in many programs will also help you form important connections with top design professionals.

Cheltenham, United Kingdom

108SchoolApply Rank

USD 18,931Average Tuition

0Acceptance Rate

University of Gloucestershire (Gloucestershire) has multiple campuses across Gloucestershire and Cheltenham, United Kingdom. Students at Gloucestershire are offered a wide range of master’s degree programs through its 8 academic schools, including: School of Art and Design; School of Liberal and Performing Arts; School of Natural and Social Sciences; and the School of Media....

Bath, United Kingdom

127SchoolApply Rank

USD 18,338Average Tuition

89%Acceptance Rate

Bath Spa University (Bath Spa) has campuses located in Newton Park and Sion Hill, Bath, United Kingdom. Bath Spa also has a campus located in the market town of Corsham. Bath Spa offers over a 100 master’s degree programs across its 4 academic schools, namely: Bath Business School; Bath School of Art and Design; College of Liberal Arts; and the Institute for Education....

York, United Kingdom

156SchoolApply Rank

USD 16,167Average Tuition

0Acceptance Rate

York St John University (York St John) is a public university located along Lord Mayor's Walk in York, England, UK. York St John offers a wide range of master's degree programs across its nine academic schools including: Art, Design and Computer Science; Education; Health Sciences; Humanities, Religion and Philosophy; and Sport....

Cambridge, United Kingdom

244SchoolApply Rank

USD 18,074Average Tuition

0Acceptance Rate

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has 4 campuses located in Cambridge, London, Chelmsford and Peterborough, United Kingdom. ARU offers over a 100 master’s degree programs across its 4 academic faculties, namely: Arts, Law and Social Sciences; Health, Social Care and Education; Science and Technology; Medical Science; and the Lord Ashcroft International Business School.
...

Portsmouth, United Kingdom

411SchoolApply Rank

USD 19,657Average Tuition

37%Acceptance Rate

The University of Portsmouth (UOP) is located in Hampshire, United Kingdom. UOP offers over 100 master’s degree programs through its 5 academic faculties, namely: Faculty of Business and Law; Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries; Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences; Faculty of Technology; and the Faculty of Science....

London, United Kingdom

430SchoolApply Rank

USD 12,500Average Tuition

0Acceptance Rate

Middlesex University is located in London, UK. The courses offered at a Bachelor\u2019s level are in areas that include Art and Design, Business, Education, Social Sciences, Film, Media and English, Computer Science, Engineering and Maths. One of the focuses in the area of Art and Design is Animation, with many facilities that include a recording studio and communication arts studios.Middlesex University is located in London, UK. The courses offered at a Bachelor’s level are in areas that include Art and Design, Business, Education, Social Sciences, Film, Media and English, Computer Science, Engineering and Maths. One of the focuses in the area of Art and Design is Animation, with many facilities that include a recording studio and communication arts studios....

Liverpool, United Kingdom

511SchoolApply Rank

USD 18,404Average Tuition

0Acceptance Rate

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a public research-driven university located in Liverpool, England. LJMU offers a wide range of master's degree programs through its five academic faculties namely: Arts, Professional and Social Studies; Education, Health and Community; Engineering and Technology; Liverpool Business School; and Science. ...

Manchester, United Kingdom

516SchoolApply Rank

USD 21,108Average Tuition

0Acceptance Rate

Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), is a public university located in Manchester, UK. MMU offers master's degree courses in a wide range of faculties including the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Faculty of Business and Law and Faculty of Education....

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

524SchoolApply Rank

USD 17,676Average Tuition

0Acceptance Rate

Edinburgh Napier University (Edinburgh Napier) is a public university with 3 campuses located in the city of Edinburgh in Scotland, United Kingdom. Edinburgh Napier offers over 150 master’s degree programs through 6 academic schools, including: School of Engineering and the Built Environment; School of Applied Sciences; and the School of Computing....

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